Pentax SFXn Beginner
Posted 29/03/2020 - 15:17 - Helpful Comment
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Any colour or b+w 35mm film will do. You can buy it on Amazon or at a photographic retailers website.
A microfibre soft cloth is your first option for the lens, front and rear. If the cloudiness is internal it could be lens fungus or balsam separation. If it is a serious problem with the latter two then depending on the type of lens it may not be worth repairing. Second hand lenses are plentiful both on the classified section here and ebay.
New batteries and I suggest a dry run with no film to make sure everything is working. Put it in Manual exposure and trip the shutter many times at each available speed. Before you do that I suggest a good clean. Externally any alcohol wipe will do. Internally,..... open the back and give it a good blast with a rocket blower (google "Giottos rocket blower". Same with the front after removing the lens. I suggest not trying to wipe the mirror and certainly not the focussing screen. If these are very dirty you would be best served getting it professionally cleaned.
Best bet is google online film processing. I use these (https://www.harmanlab.com/ ) for b+w film but there are many others. You can order prints as well as a download of scanned images if you wish.
If you do not have the manual you can download it here http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/af/afmanuals.htm The password is Pentax
A microfibre soft cloth is your first option for the lens, front and rear. If the cloudiness is internal it could be lens fungus or balsam separation. If it is a serious problem with the latter two then depending on the type of lens it may not be worth repairing. Second hand lenses are plentiful both on the classified section here and ebay.
New batteries and I suggest a dry run with no film to make sure everything is working. Put it in Manual exposure and trip the shutter many times at each available speed. Before you do that I suggest a good clean. Externally any alcohol wipe will do. Internally,..... open the back and give it a good blast with a rocket blower (google "Giottos rocket blower". Same with the front after removing the lens. I suggest not trying to wipe the mirror and certainly not the focussing screen. If these are very dirty you would be best served getting it professionally cleaned.
Best bet is google online film processing. I use these (https://www.harmanlab.com/ ) for b+w film but there are many others. You can order prints as well as a download of scanned images if you wish.
If you do not have the manual you can download it here http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/af/afmanuals.htm The password is Pentax
Peter
My Flickr page
My Flickr page
Posted 29/03/2020 - 15:40 - Helpful Comment
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Welcome to the forum. I can't remember whether the SFXn will fire the shutter without film in (many AF SLRs wouldn't). Don't touch the mirror, focussing screen or the shutter mechanism, these are very susceptible to damage.
As for film, any 35mm film with DX coding (to set the ISO) will be fine. The camera can be set up to override the DX coding but that's a complication best ignored when starting out.
The battery goes in the right hand grip, unscrew the fastener and the grip comes off - the battery only goes in one way. Read the manual completely before you start.
The SFXn is a very good camera, shout if you have more questions.
John
As for film, any 35mm film with DX coding (to set the ISO) will be fine. The camera can be set up to override the DX coding but that's a complication best ignored when starting out.
The battery goes in the right hand grip, unscrew the fastener and the grip comes off - the battery only goes in one way. Read the manual completely before you start.
The SFXn is a very good camera, shout if you have more questions.
John
Posted 30/03/2020 - 08:59 - Helpful Comment
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I've just tried my camera and with the focus switch set to manual, the SFXn will fire the shutter without the need for any film in the camera (you can have the back open too whilst doing so - so it's easy to see if the shutter is working ok - but as stated above, don't touch the mirror, focusing screen or the shutter mechanism, these are very susceptible to damage)
Richard
Posted 30/03/2020 - 09:15 - Helpful Comment
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The others here seem to have answered your questions so I don't have much more to contribute other than to reiterate that the SFXn is a very good camera - well built and high-spec. It's motors are noisy but that's not a big problem.
The only thing you haven't asked about is what will be done with your film after development. You have two options here - traditional prints ordered with the development or have the negatives scanned to digital files. Most places that develop films will offer both services but they increase the cost a lot. If you decide to scan yourself then you're getting into a complicated and expensive situation in which you have three options:
1. A flatbed scanner like the Epson 550.
2. A dedicated film scanner.
3. Scanning using a digital scanner.
Of the three, option #1 will be easiest but produce lowest quality results, both in terms of resolution and colour. Option #2 will produce better results but will be more work and there aren't many models being made, so you might have to buy used in which case you'll have problems with software compatibility as old scanners are often not directly compatible with Windows 10. Option #3 will produce the best results if done properly but has a very steep learning curve and you may want expensive software to ease the process.
It's a rabbit hole really, but you can learn as you go along. Step one is to get some film and shoot it to see how you like it and what results you can get. The most important thing is to enjoy it.
The only thing you haven't asked about is what will be done with your film after development. You have two options here - traditional prints ordered with the development or have the negatives scanned to digital files. Most places that develop films will offer both services but they increase the cost a lot. If you decide to scan yourself then you're getting into a complicated and expensive situation in which you have three options:
1. A flatbed scanner like the Epson 550.
2. A dedicated film scanner.
3. Scanning using a digital scanner.
Of the three, option #1 will be easiest but produce lowest quality results, both in terms of resolution and colour. Option #2 will produce better results but will be more work and there aren't many models being made, so you might have to buy used in which case you'll have problems with software compatibility as old scanners are often not directly compatible with Windows 10. Option #3 will produce the best results if done properly but has a very steep learning curve and you may want expensive software to ease the process.
It's a rabbit hole really, but you can learn as you go along. Step one is to get some film and shoot it to see how you like it and what results you can get. The most important thing is to enjoy it.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Posted 30/03/2020 - 10:03 - Helpful Comment
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Just to add my contribution. I know nothing about the Pentax SFXn but I have recently bought An Epson XP-8600 Printer Scanner which will (according to software) scan up to 9600 res. The printer itself produces excellent prints to my eye. I only use Epson inks and Ultra Glossy 300gm 7x5 paper. PS I have no connection to Epson
Just passing thru
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4 posts
6 years
I recently acquired a Pentax SFXn. I have never owned any type of camera before besides a camera phone and am eager to get this up and running. Because of my lack of knowledge i need some answers to some inexperienced questions.
1) What film do I require for this camera and where’s best to get it?
2)The lenses are a bit cloudy and could do with a clean, what’s the best way to clean it properly?
3)I have bought some 2CR5 energizer lithium batteries for it as the camera had been sitting in my grandads garage for about 20 years (I think) - are the batteries all I need to get it up and running (as well as film). Sounds a stupid question but I literally have no idea.
4)How can I develop my film once used? And what’s the cost?
Is there’s anything else anyone could recommend or advise me on that’d be grand.